Collapsible nozzle for textile suction cleaner



COLLAPSIBLE NOZZLE FOR TEXTILE SUCTION CLEANER Filed Feb. 15, 1961 May 29, 1962 R. L. BLACK, JR

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 m. N m w A m a in-2a:222 2:

May 29, 1962 R. L. BLACK, JR

COLLAPSIBLE NOZZLE FOR TEXTILE SUCTION CLEANER Filed Feb. 15, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ll IIIIIIIIJ INVENTOR.

m M W Q 1 ATTORNEYS United States Patent f 3,036,325 COLLAPSIBLE NOZZLE FUR TEXTILE SUQTIQN CLEANER Robert L. Black, In, Charlotte, N.C., assignor to Parks- Cramer (Iompany, Fitchburg, Mass, a corporation of Massachusetts Filed Feb. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 89,561 6 Claims. (Cl. 15-312) This invention relates to traveling suction cleaning apparatus particularly devised for removing lint, dust, and other light material from room and machine surfaces in manufacturing plants, particularly the floors in textile mills. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel resiliently collapsible nozzle for use with such apparatus which is so constructed that the likelihood of the nozzle getting caught and hanging on an object in its path and consequent damage to the suction cleaning apparatus is lessened or prevented.

The nozzle of the instant invention is adapted to be used on a traveling suction cleaning apparatus of the type shown and described in a co-pending application by Grover B. Holtzclaw, Serial No. 759,797, filed September 8, 1958, entitled Traveling Suction Cleaning Apparatus, now Patent No. 3,011,202, which has been assigned to the same assignee as the instant invention.

The apparatus with which the present invention is to be used normally employs a pair of flexible tubes which depend from an overhead suction means traveling above a row of textile machines or the like. The flexible tubes have nozzles mounted on the lower portions thereof for receipt of dust, lint, or other foreign material which is conveyed to the suction means. In the past, if the nozzle connected to the lower end of each flexible tube was wide enough to cover a considerable portion of the aisle between machines, frequent trouble occurred as a result of the nozzle hanging on an obstruction in the aisle between the machines or becoming wedged between such an obstruction and the frame of the adjacent machine. In such an event, the nozzle could be torn loose from the flexible tube or the flexible tube could be torn loose from the overhead suction means or the suction means could be dislodged from its normal position on the track with resulting damage. In textile factories, it is a common practice to have "bobbin trucks, doif trucks or the like positioned in the aisles between rows of machine and heretofore it was necessary that much care be exercised that these obstructions were laced a suflicient distance from the machine so that traveling suction nozzles could pass between the trucks and the framework of the machine.

It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved suction nozzle which will become partially collapsed upon itself when the same presses against an obstruction in its path, so that the nozzle may pass between such an obstruction and the framework of an adjacent machine or may-by-pass such an obstruction without becoming lodged thereagainst. After passing the obstruction the nozzle quickly resumes its normal shape.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible but resilient nozzle particularly adapted to be attached to a flexible suction tube depending from a traveling suctioncleaner, and wherein opposed end portions of the broad fore and aft walls of the nozzle, adjacent the surface or floor to be cleaned, are sufiiciently flexible to allow the same to be collapsed whenever the nozzle strikes an obstruction in the path thereof and applies inward pressure to either or both elongated walls of the nozzle to thereby prevent lodging or retention of the suction nozzle against such an obstruction or between such an obstruction and the framework of an adjacent textile machine, and wherein the collapsed elements resume normal shape immediately after pressure against such an obstruction is removed.

A still more specific object of this invention is to provide a nozzle of the character described which includes opposed broad fore and aft walls defining a passage and a communicating elongate and relatively narrow mouth therebetween, and wherein the medial portions of the opposed broad walls are relatively rigid while the distal end portions of the opposed broad walls are resiliently flexible and may be momentarily collapsed or upset upon movement of the nozzle against an obstruction or between a pair of closely spaced obstructions in its path. Since said distal end portions of the broad walls are easily collapse-d, collapsing thereof permits the nozzle to move past such obstructions without damaging the nozzle or the flexible tube from which the nozzle depends, and the mouth thereof may become only partially restricted, because of the rigid medial portions of the broad walls inherently retaining them in spaced relationship.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which FIGURE 1 is an end elevational of a traveling suction cleaning apparatus with the nozzles of the present invention mounted on the lower ends of the flexible tubes and with a textile machine shown in broken lines;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation of the nozzle of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of the nozzle shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan of the nozzle shown in FIGURE 2 with a spacer removed for clarity;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the nozzle shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged perspective detail of the wear-resistant spacer shown mounted on the nozzle in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIGURE 3 with one of the spacers removed for clarity and showing a portion of the flexible tube applied thereto;

FIGURE 8 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIGURE 2 with the spacer removed; and

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view showing the nozzle shown in FIGURE 2 in partially collapsed condition with one distal portion thereof in contact with an obstruction.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGURE 1, a traveling suction cleaner indicated generally at 10 comprises a suction-blower means 11 made up of a volute chamber and a suitably driven blower. The air outlet side of the suction-blower means 11 is connected to one end of a collection chamber 12 wherein lint, dust and other foreign matter are collected. A pair of ducts 13, 14 are connected to the air inlet of the suction-blower means 1 1 and extend outwardly in opposite directions therefrom. The outer ends of ducts 13, 14 are turned downwardly toward the surfaces to be cleaned and have connected thereto a pair of flexible suction tubes 15, '16, respectively.

The traveling suction cleaning apparatus 10 may be supported on textile machines indicated generally at 17, or on the floor F, by columns 26 only one of which is shown having suitable tracks 22, 23 mounted thereon. The traveling suction cleaner 10 is moved over tracks 22, 23 by a suitable driving mechanism (not shown) such as an electric motor or the like. The apparatus described thus far is shown and described in detail in said co-pending application and a further description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

Patented May 29, 1962 Mounted on the lower end of each of the flexible I tionship for forming a body portion having an open space defined therein. Inasmuch as the spaced walls 31, 32 are not connected along their bottom edges, an opening or mouth is formed therebetween to allow for- V eign matter to be drawn therethrough into said space.

A tubular portion 35 is formed integrally with the upper portions of the walls of said body portion and communicates with the space defined between said Walls. Tubular portion 35 may have suitable threads 36 formed on the outer surface thereof for insertion in the lower end of the tubes 15, 16 and which are adapted to fit in mating engagement with suitable internal threads 37 within said tubes. I

Preferably eachof the two opposed broad walls 31, 32

has three substantially vertical reinforcing ribs'4t), 41

and 42 formed integrallyin their outer surfaces to reinforce the central portion thereof. vAlso, a rigid rein-' forcing plate 43, shown in broken lines'in FIGURE 7 and in section in FIGURE 8, is preferably molded, with in each of the walls 31 and 32 of nozzle 30 to further reinforce the central portions thereof. Plates 43' may be formed from metal, Wood, plastic or any other substantially rigid material. Reinforcingribs 43,41,42 and plate 43 combine to prevent collapsing of the medial portions of Walls 31, 32 when suction is appliedthereto by the suction means 11'.

It is noted that each plate 43 has a portion or stem 43a which extends upwardly into tubular portion 35 to reinforce the same and prevent it from being collapsed and Withdrawn" from each tube 15, 16. Suitable reinforcing ribs 44, 45are molded integrally with end walls 33, 34, respect-ively,'to reinforce the same anjdj'for preventing collapsing of the end Walls whensuction is ap plied to nozzle30. I

A pair of elongate cavities 46," -47 are formed in the narrow walls 33, 34. A pair of spacer members 50 constructed of suitable wear-reistant material, 'such as nylon or the like, are adapted to be mounted on the distal narrow walls of said nozzle to space the nozzle mouth above the floor F, or other surface 'and'to lengthen the life thereof. 'Each spacer member 50has a stem portion 51 extending outwardly therefrom which is adapted to be inserted within either of the cavities 46, 47 with a tight fit for frictionally maintaining the spacer 50 connected to the nozzle 30; Portion 1 also serves to reinforce the walls 33, 34 to prevent the same from collapsing under normal operation with suction applied to the nozzle 30.

The body portion of spacer 50 has a flat face 53a and a generally convexly curved outer surface 5% which extends outwardly beyond the distal Walls of the nozzle 30 when mounted thereon. Curved surface 50b acts as i a cam for aiding in the collapsing of the distal portions of nozzle '30 when the same comes into pressure contact with an obstruction such as a bobbin truck 52, shown in broken lines in FIGURE 1, and an obstruction such as a box 53, shown in broken lines in FIGURE 9. Also, since the curved surface 50b extends outwardly beyond the distal portions of nozzle 30, abrasion thereof is prevented thereby increasing the life of the nozzle. Spacer 50 also maintains the entire bottom portion of nozzle 30 out of contact with the floor F to insure that the mouth of nozzle 30 remains substantially unoh: structed.

In operation, each nozzle 39' is mounted on the lower end of one of the flexible tubes 15, 16 through reception of tubular portion 35 therein. As suction is applied to the nozzles by suction-blower means 11, dust, lint or other foreign material is drawn upwardly between the opposed, spaced walls 31, 32, which are maintained in their spaced relationship by the reinforced central portions, through tubular portion into tubes 15, 16.

If an obstruction, such as a bobbin truck 52, is in the path of travel of nozzle 30 as illustrated in FIGURE 1 spacer 50 will strike the same. Either or both of the non-reinforced distal end portions of the nozzle 30 will then be collapsed inwardly such that the nozzle may move past the obstruction. Even if the obstruction is Within a few inches of the framework of the machine, the respective nozzle 30 may move between the obstruction and the machine without damage to the nozzle or to the flexible tubes 15, 16. If the obstruction is spaced at sufficient distance from the frame, only one distal portion of the nozzle 30 will be collapsed as shown in FIG- URE 9. The resiliency of the material will return the collapsed portion of the nozzle to its normal operating position immediately after pressure against such obstruction ceases.

As heretofore stated, the opposed broad walls 31, 32 are preferably substantially triangularly shaped so that the narrow walls 33, 34 and the ribs 44, 45 thereon extend upwardly in converging relationship from the distal extremities of the mouth of each nozzle 30. While the configuration of the broad walls 31, 32 need not be limited to the substantially triangular shape, this shape is desirable so that the movement of the corresponding suction tube 15 or 16 closely adjacent to or between closely spaced obstructions may, due to its flexibility, tilt the upper end or tubular portion 35 of the corresponding nozzle 30 toward the direction of movement of the traveling cleaner 10 as the ribs 44, 45 and/or the spacers 50, which serve as runners for the nozzle, engage the obstructions. Thus, with further movement of the traveling cleaner, engagement of the outer surfaces of the ribs 44, 45 vvith the obstruction or obstructions fur: ther assists in partially collapsing or upsetting the opposed non-reinforced distal portions of the walls 31, 32 and, thus, permits the lower distal portions of the walls 33, 34, and the spacers 50 to move inwardly toward each other so thatthey may readily pass between closely spaced obstructions.

It is apparent, therefore, that a suction nozzle having an ingress opening or month which covers a substantial floor area is provided which is constructed and arranged to partially collapse and prevent lodging or hanging thereof on or against obstructions in the path thereof and thus prevent consequent damage to the'nozzle or the flexible tube to which it is attached, or any portion of the travelmg suction unit.

It should be noted that, although upsetting the distal portions of walls 31, 32 may cause the mouth of the nozzle 30 to become partially restricted, the relatively rigid medial portions of opposed walls 31, 32 willremaiu in spaced relationship so that the mouth of the nozzle is at least partially open and remains efiective to draw lint or the like thereinto. In fact, the temporary restricting of the mouth of the nozzle in this manner actually causes the air to enter the nozzle at a higher velocity, thus compensating to some extent for the restriction in the eifective size of the month during periods of partial collapse.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim: 7

1. In a traveling suction floor cleaning apparatus adapted to be moved over textile machines and having suction means and at least one flexible tube connected to and depending from said suction means, a collapsible nozzle for said tube comprising two generally triangular opposed broad walls, upwardly converging relatively narrow walls connecting proximal edges of said broad walls, all of said walls defining a passage therebetween having an elongated mouth, the corner of said broad walls toward which said narrow walls converge and the upper ends of said narrow walls being connected to the lower end of said tube, the corners of the lower portion of said broad walls and the lower ends of said narrow walls being formed of flexible resilient material to permit them to collapse upon contact with an object in their path and return to normal upon termination of said contact, the central portion of said broad walls having a plurality of spaced vertically disposed ribs formed on the outer surface thereof to render the central portion more rigid than the corners of the lower portion, each of said narrow walls having a longitudinally extending rib formed on the outer surface thereof to assist the narrow walls in returning to normal position after termination of said contact.

2. A collapsible suction nozzle for use with a suction cleaning apparatus of the type adapted to be moved over textile machines for removing lint and the like from the floor and having at least one flexible tube depending therefrom, said nozzle comprising opposed walls defining a passage therebetween having an elongated inlet, a tubular portion connected to said walls remote from said elongated inlet and defining an extension of said passage, said tubular portion being adapted to be connected to said suction cleaning apparatus, the elongated portions of said nozzle being of flexible construction such that they will collapse, and a pair of Wear-resistant spacers mounted on said nozzle to maintain said nozzle inlet spaced not less than a predetermined distance above the floor to be cleaned, at least a portion of said spacers extending outwardly of said elongated portions of said nozzle to strike an obstruction in their path to collapse the elongated portions of said nozzle.

3. A collapsible suction floor cleaning nozzle for use with a traveling suction cleaning apparatus of the type adapted to be moved over textile machines and having at least one flexible tube extending downwardly therefrom to a point spaced above the floor to be cleaned, said nozzle comprising two generally triangular opposed walls spaced a predetermined distance apart, upwardly converging end walls connecting proximal side edges of said triangular walls, said triangular and end walls defining a passage therebetween having an elongated mouth, the upper end of said nozzle remote from said elongated mouth being adapted to be mounted on the flexible tube, each distal end of the lower portion of said-triangular walls and the 'lower end of the corresponding end wall being formed of flexible resilient material to permit it to collapse readily upon pressure against an obstruction in its path and to return to normal after termination of said pressure, and a pair of wear-resistant spacers mounted on the lower ends of said end walls for maintaining said nozzle spaced not less than a predetermined distance above the floor to be cleaned, at least a portion of each of said spacers extending outwardly from the lower ends of said end walls to engage the obstruction and assist in collapsing said end portions.

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said triangular walls have a plurality of upwardly extending reinforcing ribs formed in the central portion thereof to render the central portion relatively rigid to prevent collapsing thereof and consequent closing of said elongated mouth when suction is applied to said nozzle.

5. The structure set forth in claim 3 and including a pair of semi-flexible resilient reinforcing plates mounted on said end walls at the central portions thereof to protect said end Walls against wear to prevent undue collapse of said end walls during normal operation under suction and to assist the nozzle in promptly returning to normal after termination of said pressure.

6. A collapsible suction floor cleaning nozzle for use with a traveling suction cleaning apparatus of the type adapted to be moved over textile machines and having at least one flexible tube extending downwardly therefrom to a point spaced above the floor to be cleaned, said nozzle comprising opposed interconnected walls defining a passage therebetween having an elongated mouth, the upper end of said nozzle remote from said elongated mouth being adapted to be mounted on said tube, each distal end of the portion of said nozzle defining said elongated mouth being of flexible collapsible construction, and a pair of wear-resistant spacers having a convexly curved outer surface mounted on said nozz e at said distal ends for maintaining the nozzle spaced not less than a predetermined distance above the floor to be cleaned, the said convexly curved outer surface of each spacer extending outwardly of one of said distal ends and serving to cam the same inwardly when it strikes near the edge of an obstruction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Parks-Oramer Publication 411, September 25, 1958. 

